The creation of the Pré-Moto3 Sherco was decided to respond to an observation; In 2015, the entry category of the French FSBK Championship had to be canceled due to a lack of sufficient participants. It was therefore necessary to find a more attractive formula and this is what the French Motorcycling Federation did, by collaborating with the French companies Sherco and Objectif Grand Prix, to preserve an open level in the Grands Prix.
Objectif Grand Prix will therefore manage two categories within the 2016 French Championship: Pre-GP (125cc 2-stroke or 250cc 4-stroke, minimum 12 years old, limited to 32 horses) and Pré-Moto3 (250cc, 4-stroke from All-Terrain, minimum 13 years, limited to 36 horses).
For 2016, the FFM made a particular effort in the Pre-Moto3 category, an inexpensive formula while being the most widespread at European level, thus being able to constitute the missing level between the French 25 Power Championship and the championships based on Moto3; it indeed perfectly complements the brand new “Moto3 Stock” category very recently introduced within the FIM CEV Moto3 Junior World Championship!
Following the presentation of the Pré-Moto3 from the manufacturer Sherco on the FFM stand at the Motorcycle, Scooter, Quad and Equipment Show, which was recently held at Porte de Versailles in Paris, we asked for some details on the subject to Alain Bronec, Sports Manager of the French Speed Sector.
Alain, can you present this project to us?
Alain Bronec: “OGP, which is a promoter and which already has some experience in the French Championship, is setting up a Pre-Moto3 Championship for the year 2016 within the French Superbike Championship. All Pre-Moto3 will be admitted, that is to say all speed motorcycles with an engine from All-Terrain (Cross and Enduro). In order to offer a financially accessible motorcycle, the FFM and Sherco collaborated together. In fact, the FFM has therefore guaranteed the purchase of a certain number of motorcycles which will be offered for sale or rental. »
How much does this motorcycle cost?
Alain Bronec: “It still depends on the number of motorcycles built but the initial objective is to offer the motorcycle for sale at around 10 Euros, public price. »
How powerful is this motorcycle?
Alain Bronec: “The bike makes 36 original horsepower. This corresponds to the standard of Pre-Moto3 in other European championships and this therefore allows it to ride there for those who wish. »
What is the point of this particular motorcycle?
Alain Bronec: “First of all, its price, obviously.
Then, one of its other interests is that it can be used in numerous championships, and resold second-hand as such, which increases its potential market, and therefore its economic attractiveness. For example, in the French 25 Power Championship (editor's note: 25 horses, from 12 years old) or in the Pre-GP Championship (editor's note: 32 horses, from 12 years old) after having received a Sherco factory bridle, and in the Pre-Moto3 Championship, in its original configuration, whether in France or in Europe.
We must not forget either that we are talking about a motorcycle from a French manufacturer (editor's note: engine and chassis are produced around Nîmes), with all the advantages that this entails; product consistency, technical monitoring of motorcycles and possibility of engine overhaul.
Another positive point is its electric start; no need for an external starter, which makes it easier to use. Along the same lines, it is equipped with a hydraulic clutch which will undoubtedly be particularly appreciated by the youngest of its users.
Finally, Sherco is a French manufacturer that is interested in speed, and will be present behind all its customers. »
Are there other motorcycles available on the market?
Alain Bronec: “Yes, you can find used motorcycles, but not a new motorcycle at this price. »
It is sometimes difficult for parents to find their way around and obtain sound advice for having their child compete in speed competitions in France. They should therefore not hesitate to contact the Sports Manager of the Fillière Vitesse who will be able to guide them according to their expectations.
“The bottle doesn’t matter as long as you get drunk.” It is obvious that the current environment in France no longer lends itself to an entry category for the French Championship in which a few 2-stroke wizards competed through particularly well-honed Aprilias, Hondas or KTMs. Same observation for Moto3s designed mainly for Grand Prix, whether they are called Honda, KTM, or Mahindra.
Also, in order to revive this famous “small category”, more intended to highlight driving qualities than wallet size, the Sherco option appears both reasonable and able to meet this objective.
Only the future will tell if this attractive formula will have been able to attract enough young talents to find at least one, later, in the Grand Prix.
But what is certain is that it will at least have had the merit of existing and of replacing the void of last year.
